A Tourist's Guide to Roman Food

Balls of semolina and curds, a traditional Roman dish.

(August 30, 30 BC)

Planning a trip to Rome soon? Well, in case you didn’t already know, there’s one thing that brings Romans together like no other: food! After all, cuisine is one of the defining factors of a population. So don’t make the wrong dining decisions during your visit! With such a wide variety of dining options, you’ll see that size is not the only field the Roman Empire is unparalleled in! Whether you are visiting from the deserts of Egypt or the cities of Spain, you’re sure to find your new favorite food here in Rome.  And remember; don’t get stuck at the tourist traps! When in Rome, eat as the Romans eat!

            Are you a fan of breakfast at home? Hope you brought a thick wallet. In Rome, only the rich eat proper breakfasts. Slaves and peasants are often left with only water as their morning meal. However, if you can afford the luxury, you will be treated to a dining experience like no other. In Rome, breakfast is known as Ientaculum and is eaten very early in the morning. Staples to Ientaculum include salted bread, honey, and dried fruits. One of the most common (and basic) Roman breakfast practices is to drench the bread in the honey, creating a delicious sweet and salty combination. Even better, it is one of the easiest recipes out there; so if you just can’t wait for your trip to Rome, give this succulent combo a shot before you arrive for a taste of Rome, at home! Much like the Roman slaves, the rich drink plain water at the morning meal as well. After all, the rich can’t always consume the most luxurious foods! Nevertheless, the rich are generous here in Rome, as it is tradition to donate food for the morning meal to the needy. Although they would rarely give anything more luxurious than plain bread, it is still a great act of kindness towards the less fortunate. For the ultra-rich, olives and cheese were also common at Ientaculum. Salivating already? We’re not done yet!

            Lunch is the least glamorous meal in Rome, as it is often made up of the previous night’s leftovers. Often referred to as Prandium, it is only eaten by the rich, much like Ientaculum. This is mainly because lower class citizens can’t afford to take time out of the middle of their workday to eat a full meal. However, for those who can afford the meal, it is made up of many of the same foods that are eaten at the evening’s meal, such as breads and cold cuts of assorted meats. It can also include fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and other proteins such as fish. Although this seems to be a rather light meal, most Romans can cope with it since the evening’s meal is served relatively early and lasts for a long while, often late into the night. So let’s talk about Rome’s most grand meal of the day!
            The evening meal, otherwise called Cena, is the most intricate and elaborate meal in Rome, often consisting of many courses for the rich. For the poor, it is often a meal of wheat, whether in the form of bread or porridge. Occasionally, they also have honey to add to the wheat for some flavor. However, for the rich, Cena is a party unlike all others. To begin, the rich eat a small first course called Gustatio. It is often composed of veggies like radishes and mushrooms. In addition, there is also protein in the Gustatio like sardines and oysters. After all, with all of Rome’s coastline, we have the best seafood! Once the Gustatio ends, the main course, or Prima Mensa, is served. At this time, men traditionally sit at the table on couches and recline while they eat. Women and children, however, do not have this privilege, and sit on wooden stools while they eat. Prima Mensa is primarily a meal of proteins, including fish like eels, turbot, and mackerel, and shellfish. In addition, they eat red meat such as beef, venison, and veal. Often times, these proteins would be steamed, roasted, and, occasionally, even fried! One tip on customs during these meals: belching is considered respectful and polite! This is just an interesting custom to top off a great Roman meal. After the main course comes dessert, also known as Secunda Mensa. It is generally made up of cakes filled with honey and flavored with fruits. Two of the most popular Secunda Mensa dishes are stuffed dates and a concoction of poppy-seeds and honey. Sweet! After the end of Secunda Mensa, the meal ends with a round of diluted wine for all of the diners, except the women. Traditionally, women could only drink if their alcohol was extremely diluted, even more than everyone else’s drinks. At this point, the meal ends, but the party continues into the night as entertainers fill the dining hall to amuse the guests.

           So don't just settle for the plain old food in your homeland! Spice up your life by visiting Rome and dining with us, today!